NPP activists protest, allege discrimination

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 27: Activists of National Panthers Party held demonstration and staged dharna at Jammu and several other district headquarters in protest against the discrimination being caused.
In Jammu, a large number party activists led by State president Balwant Singh Mankotia (MLA Udhampur) and accompanied by MLA Samba Yash Pal Kundal, Ex-MLA Chenani Faqir Nath, general secretary Anita Thakur and others held protest at Press Club of Jammu and later sat on day long dharna.
They were shouting slogans against the NC led Coalition Government alleging large scale discrimination in every field. Mr Mankotia pointed out that in 95 colleges of the State 1129 posts of Assistant professors have been advertised.  There are 48 colleges in Kashmir region while 47 in Jammu region. For Kashmir region candidates the posts are 700 while for the candidates of Jammu region there are only 429 posts.
Mr Mankotia said the Higher Education Minister who is from Reasi has shut his eyes and moreover, he has failed to ensure fair treatment to the people of Jammu. He also criticized the Chief Minister and other Congress leaders from Jammu being party to this discriminatory decision. He warned of massive agitation in all the districts over the issue. He further alleged that for the posts of teachers interviews were conducted in various districts about one and half year back. The list in several districts of Kashmir has been released but in Jammu region the lists have not been released and the candidates are still waiting. They warned that the State Government should desist from such discriminatory attitude.
Similar protest was held outside the offices of DC Kathua, DC Samba and DC Udhampur. The party activists lodged their strong protest and later submitted memorandum to the respective Deputy Commissioners for the Chief Minister.